In the heart of Morrinsville, 62-year-old Kim Bruce is redefining what it means to live with young onset dementia. Far from the stereotype of dementia as an ‘old person’s disease, Kim’s story highlights the importance of community understanding and support for those diagnosed at a younger age.

Three years ago, Kim received a diagnosis that would alter the course of her life.

“I was working, and my husband noticed a few things that were a bit different,” Kim recalls. The journey to diagnosis wasn’t straightforward, reflecting a common experience for many with young onset dementia.

Janine Appleby, Senior Dementia Advisor at Dementia Waikato, explains, “The research shows with young onset dementia, it can take an average of four years to get diagnosed because it’s just not thought about. They’ll go through almost a whole gamut of other things before they land on young onset dementia.”

Despite the challenges, Kim has found ways to stay active and engaged. “I work at a motel in Morrinsville,” she shares. “We all have a turn doing different things – kitchens, beds, that sort of stuff. I usually go down in the morning and finish about 12 o’clock sometimes.”

This role not only provides Kim with a sense of purpose but also challenges the misconception that a dementia diagnosis means the end of one’s working life.

Her husband, Mike Donald-Bruce, describes their life together with a mix of love and humour.

“Kim’s always been the fittest, funniest person I know,” Mike says with a smile. “Now, life’s a bit like playing charades—we’re often trying to figure out what she’s trying to remember. But she always gets there. You’d have no idea you weren’t talking to someone who fully understands, but a couple of hours later, she’ll have forgotten it all. I don’t mind though — I just ask her to think about it and come back to me, and sure enough, she finds the answer herself.”

Dementia Waikato plays a crucial role in supporting individuals like Kim. Janine Appleby emphasises the organisation’s approach.

“We’re all registered health professionals, all with years of experience and skills. Between the eight of us, there’s nearly 400 years of experience there.”

This expertise is vital in helping navigate the complex journey of living with dementia. “We know how to support people to navigate the system,” Janine adds. “Sometimes our advice is as simple as providing the right person to call and their phone number.”

Kim recently participated in The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes, a groundbreaking TV show that highlights the capabilities of people living with dementia. The experience was transformative.

“Everyone was so nice and helpful,” Kim enthuses. “It was just like a big family – my tribe if you like.”

The show, airing on TVNZ One and TVNZ+ on Monday evenings at 7:30 pm, aims to challenge public perceptions and reduce the stigma surrounding dementia.

Despite progress, misconceptions persist.

“There’s an incredible amount of stigma and very rigid thinking about what dementia is,” Janine notes. “People will say to me, ‘But it’s an old person’s disease.’ And it’s like, no, it’s not.”

Kim’s continued engagement in work and community life demonstrates that a diagnosis of young onset dementia doesn’t define a person’s capabilities or worth.

As awareness grows, so does the need for tailored support services. Dementia Waikato, part of the broader Dementia New Zealand network, is at the forefront of providing these essential services. However, challenges remain.

“We only get a small amount of funding from Te Whatu Ora as a service. It’s under 50%, so the rest of our funding is made up through grants and donations,” Janine reveals, highlighting the ongoing need for community and government support.

As our population ages and dementia rates are expected to rise, it’s more important than ever for communities to foster understanding and inclusivity.

To learn more about young onset dementia or to access support services, contact Dementia Waikato at www.dementia.nz. And don’t forget to tune in to The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes to see Kim and others showcase their abilities and challenge perceptions about living with dementia.